Page 58 of Promise of Punishment

“And you’re just a man in a mask.”

Both statements were true, and yet both things meant the world to me.

A small gasp sucked down my throat with a terrifying thought. I’d fallen for this man who I didn’t even know, and who wouldn’t sleep with me after having sex with me one time. He was my boss, but he had also become my everything. I woke up wanting to see him. I missed him during the week when he was gone. I fantasized and dreamed about him. I thought of him as mine, like we were a couple, when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

How had I let this happen?

“I think we need to take a break.” My gaze drifted everywhere except for his mesh-covered eyes. “I’m losing focus. I need to remember my place. I’m sure you understand.” Before he could say anything, I covered my face with my mask and raced out of the building.

Two weeks passed without a word from him after that day. I was so stressed, I barely got my period. In my mind, we were done—and now this.

“What should I do?” I ask Noah as I pet Bear, my hand getting clammy from the topic.

She flicks her gaze at me, not bothering to lift her head from where she lounges on the couch, and shrugs. “You could see what he wants.”

“What if he wants to have sex?” I whisper in case any of the staff are in the hallway. I didn’t hear anyone, but you never know, and I don’t want any more talk about the serpent Lord and me.

“Do you want to have sex with him?” she whispers back.

“Of course, I do, but I don’t want to get more attached.”

“Then don’t see him.” Her gaze stays fixed to the TV as Antony Bridgerton and Kate have a heated argument in the library, their chemistry explosive.

“But I want to see him.”

“Then see him.”

“I don’t want to complicate things.”

She raises her brows at me. “They’re already complicated.”

I huff. “You’re no help.”

“You already knew what you were going to do before you asked me.” Her focus returns to the TV. “You were just looking for approval. You don’t need it.”

“What about Camila’s approval? I feel like I need that.”

“You’re reading too much into it. She’s been sleeping with the wolf Lord to Ashlyn’s dismay.

Damn. I’ve spent the last several years not being noticed by choice. I’ve admired others from afar but never wished for more, knowing it’s unattainable. To want someone’s attention and not get it is a heartache I’ve yet to experience. “Why do you think the serpent Lord is different with me? I mean, why go out of his way to spend time with me during the day and do things no other Lord has done? I’m no one special. I don’t stand out.”

“First of all, you’re wrong. And second, why is anyone attracted to one person more than another? Maybe he feels a connection with you, or maybe you remind him of someone?”

“Like an ex-girlfriend?” My upper lip curls. “That’s creepy.”

“Most elites are in some way.” Her expression mirrors mine.

“He told me a couple of times he sees a kindred spirit in me, but I always thought that meant someone who shares the same interests as you.”

“I thought it meant someone you share a spiritual connection with.”

“He doesn’t seem very spiritual.”

“Maybe he’s just saying that because he wants to bone you.” Her fingers dig into the bowl of cheesy popcorn.

“And yet he’s not.”

“Maybe he will tonight.” She tosses a piece at my head.